Iran denies transferring missiles to Iraq

Iran claims report it had moved ballistic missiles to Iraq was meant to create fear and affect Iran's relations with its neighbors.

Elad Benari, 02/09/18 06:08

Iranian ballistic missile

Reuters

Iran on Saturday rejected a Reuters report from a day earlier which said it had moved ballistic missiles to Iraq.

The news site quoted three Iranian officials, two Iraqi intelligence sources, and two Western intelligence sources, all of whom confirmed the transfer of short-range missiles to Iraq over the course of several months.

Some of the officials added that Iran is helping its allies produce their own missiles as well.

“Such false and ridiculous news have no purpose other than affecting Iran’s foreign relations, especially with its neighbors,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Saturday, according to the Iranian news agency IRNA.

“This news is solely aimed at creating fears in the countries of the region,” Qassemi added.

Iran’s ballistic missile program has long been a cause for concern for the West. The 2015 nuclear deal signed between Iran and world power does not cover Iran’s missile program.